After years of being cared for by your parent, it can feel strange to suddenly discover the tables have turned when he or she has grown older and needs assistance. Managing role reversal is a common challenge new family caregivers face, but you can ease the strain by using the following strategies.
Encourage Independence
Caregivers sometimes make the mistake of going overboard when they first take on their duties. Though you want to give back to your loved one for his or her years of parenting, it’s also important to take a step back and let him or her perform tasks independently. Find ways to encourage your loved one to be independent, such as offering a mobility aid or allowing for extra time while he or she gets dressed.
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Amarillo, TX, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver.
Seek Outside Help
Some tasks are simply difficult for adult children to help their parents with during their daily routines. For example, a strained relationship over the years may have made it challenging for your loved one to accept your assistance. Alternatively, you may not feel comfortable helping with private tasks like bathing. In these cases, a professional caregiver can step in to help with potentially awkward situations.
When considering in-home care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.
Practice Open Communication
Throughout the years, your loved one has provided guidance for your life, and his or her preferences should still be respected. Involve your loved one in major decisions, such as how he or she wants to handle a health condition or whether or not he or she prefers a certain caregiver. By letting your loved one have a voice, you can prevent arguments regarding how to handle his or her care.
Focus on Building New Bonds
New caregivers sometimes worry about beginning to see their parents as burdens, but the majority of adult children discover new things about their parents that strengthen their bond. As you spend time together, listen to your loved one’s stories and plan new experiences. Choosing to view your new roles as an opportunity for bonding may help you see this role reversal as a positive thing.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior care. Amarillo families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (806) 803-9991.